Esra Nihan Bridge, MA, LMFT
Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist | Clinical Supervisor
With fifteen years of professional experience, I specialize in relationship challenges, couples therapy, and relational trauma. My approach is systemic, attachment-based and integrative, drawing from evidence-based modalities such as Emotionally Focused Therapy (EFT), the Gottman Method, Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), and Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT). I also incorporate other effective modalities such as Relational Life Therapy (RLT), and Brainspotting.
I provide a supportive, compassionate environment where individuals and couples can feel heard, understood, and respected. As a culturally competent therapist, I strive to offer care that is inclusive, culturally sensitive, and tailored to each client's unique experiences and values.
Individual Therapy
A safe and supportive space to explore personal challenges, gain insight, and develop healthier ways of relating to yourself and others.
Brainspotting
A powerful therapy method that helps individuals process trauma, emotional distress, and deeply rooted experiences.
Bridge Relationship Therapy Services
We provide evidence-based, attachment-focused therapy tailored to your unique journey toward healing and connection.
Couples Therapy
A safe space for couples to express their feelings, understand one another's experiences, strengthen their connection, and navigate difficult transitions.
Clinical Supervision
Support and professional development opportunities for mental health professionals at various stages of their careers, focusing on clinical skills.
We welcome individuals and couples from all culturally diverse backgrounds, including race, ethnicity, sexual orientation, and gender identity.
My Approach
I draw from several evidence-based approaches to support individuals and couples. Every person is unique, so I tailor my work based on your needs and goals. Here are the main methods that inform my approach:
Emotionally Focused Therapy (EFT)
EFT is an evidence-based, attachment-focused approach that helps individuals and couples heal from the emotional impact of trauma by strengthening emotional awareness, processing difficult experiences, and fostering a greater sense of safety and connection. EFT helps couples uncover and express their deeper emotions and attachment needs. By identifying negative patterns that keep you disconnected, we work toward creating new moments of emotional bonding, security, and trust.
Gottman Method Couples Therapy
Based on decades of research, this method focuses on improving communication, managing conflict, building friendship, and creating shared meaning. I’ll help you strengthen your emotional connection through practical tools and structured conversations.
Relational Life Therapy (RLT)
RLT blends compassion with directness. It brings awareness to power imbalances, unhealthy dynamics, and the stories we carry from our past. This approach helps partners take responsibility, speak truthfully, and move toward a more connected and respectful relationship.
Culturally Sensitive Approach
I welcome individuals and couples from diverse cultural backgrounds including interracial, intercultural, interfaith relationships.
Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT)
CBT is an evidence-based approach that helps individuals identify and change unhelpful thoughts, emotions, and behaviors, empowering them to develop healthier coping skills and improve their overall well-being. By recognizing the connection between thoughts, feelings, and actions, CBT provides practical tools to manage challenges such as anxiety, depression, stress, and relationship difficulties, while promoting lasting emotional resilience and personal growth.
Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT)
ACT is an evidence-based approach that helps people by developing a different relationship with difficult thoughts, emotions, and memories. Rather than trying to eliminate or suppress painful experiences, ACT teaches skills to accept internal experiences with openness while focusing on actions that align with personal values and long-term goals. ACT encourages accepting what is out of your control and committing to actions that enrich your life and align with your core values.
Brainspotting Therapy
Brainspotting is a powerful, focused trauma therapy that works by identifying, processing, and releasing core of emotional and physical pain. By identifying specific eye positions, or "brainspots," therapy can access deeper emotional and physiological responses. We use this brain-body method to help you access healing beyond where traditional talk therapy can reach.
Systemic Therapy
Systemic therapy is an approach that looks beyond the individual to understand how relationships, family dynamics, and broader social systems influence thoughts, emotions, and behaviors. Rather than viewing problems in isolation, systemic therapy helps individuals, couples, and families identify interaction patterns, improve communication, and create healthier, more supportive relationships.
Questions Before Scheduling?
Please visit our Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) page for answers to common questions about therapy, fees, scheduling, and services. Bridge Relationship Therapy offers individual therapy, and couples therapy in Fort Lauderdale, and also online sessions for residents of Florida (FL), Pennsylvania (PA), New Jersey (NJ), and Virginia (VA). Appointments are available Monday through Thursday, with morning, afternoon, and evening availability.
Contact Us
We invite you to reach out directly to schedule a session or ask any questions you may have about our therapy services for individuals and couples.